I've searched and searched my local art supplies stores for a water-soluble ink. Except for a single, basic black exception, I could not find an ink that was not waterproof. I guess calligraphy makes the waterproof inks more popular, fair enough, but I use my ink, in all colors, in my visual art. I "pull" color from my ink. It's an important and much needed, aspect of my art.After searching around, I found Blick. Not only did they have the product I was after, they also had it at a price much better than I could expect to pay at any retailer. I was so pleased, I purchased much more than I originally intended. Hey, when you see a good deal, you take advantage of it. I think each time I use it, I'm more pleased.Thumbs up Blick!

I love using Higgins ink in all of my illustrations. I won't deny it. Using this ink rather than a watercolor paint gives a certain vibrancy you cannot achieve using another medium. Majority of the colors will say "non-waterproof," but when working with it, you will find that if you find yourself spilling water on a completed piece, majority of the colors act as though they were "waterproof." Out of my experiences with Black India, Russet, Red-Orange, Red, Violet, Blue, "Green", Turquoise, and Leaf-Green... The only colors which have proven themselves to move when re-dampened have been Blue and "Green." On this note, WARNING: INK, especially INDIA INK will NOT come out of clothing!

Now, the reason I put "Green" in quotation marks is because "Green" is far closer to a blue hue than any type of green... In fact, I typically use it when painting skies. You have got to be weary when choosing colors, the color you may think you want could end up looking entirely different. Use scrap paper when painting, see what it looks like dried before using it, too.

Another thing about using these inks is how they blend. If you're new to the medium, it will shock you: Once the ink has dried on the paper, there is little to no chance of moving it. If you want a gradient, you must add it before it dries. This is both a blessing and a curse. If you let the ink dry before evening out the paint, you are left with a crisp line where the water's edge was, but if you plan on it drying, you are guaranteed layers which will not become muddy the more layers you add. Colors will blend with each other if you mix them while wet or on your palette, but if you allow the paint to dry before you add an extra color the DEPTH you achieve is far greater than if you were to attempt the same thing in any other medium. You can show distinct violets and distinct greens right to each other without becoming too muddy if you desire, you can't get that too easily with other mediums.

It may also seem like you're buying a tiny bottle of ink, but just a few drops will go a long way. I started using Ink as my primary medium 6 months ago, and only recently have I started to begin replacing bottles.

Higgins ink, like all art mediums alike, takes some getting used to. If you want to achieve high-intensity colors, Higgins ink is a good place to find it. If you are looking for a new challenge, I would highly recommend Higgins Ink. As the inks are mainly permanent and highly concentrated, do not buy for younger artists. Watercolors are great for kids, but if you're looking for something new to try, look into "gouache."

My favorite medium for quite a while now. It's good for getting vibrant tones that you cant quite reach with watercolors, not to say that you can't also achieve milder tones. The shipping is lightning speed as well. An altogether worthwhile purchase